Fundraising: April 2010
Part of Wellspring’s mission is to provide a quality Waldorf program for all families regardless of ability to pay. This year our school has felt the effects of the current economic woes. While enrollment has increased we have families whose incomes have been seriously impacted due to reduced employment and they find they are not able to pay their full tuition pledge. This means that we face a larger fund raising challenge than planned. We have over $28,000 to raise in this spring’s appeal. Wellspring is asking for your considered gift to support our work for children, families and Waldorf Education. We hope to inspire you with these words from Mark & Amy Rosalbo, parents of four Wellspring students.
Upon relocation to Vermont in 2004, our family came upon a beautiful school in a quaint village not far from our home. At that time our oldest girl started first grade and our twin girls began in the Early Childhood program. Wellspring fulfilled our hopes for the girls and was very generous in giving us financial aid with their tuition pledge system. Their early introduction to a new school was perfect. It gave us a great sense of well-being knowing that such a wonderful school and community were holding our children.
It seemed as if all our dreams and aspirations for moving to Vermont were coming true. Our family began to grow (two new baby boys over two years) and with it grew financial responsibilities and a difficult period of financial hardship. Both of us were working full time to meet expenses. We eventually had to make a practical yet devastating decision: just two years after starting at Wellspring, and as much as we loved the school, we enrolled the girls into our town's public school.
We spent the next three years in the public school system. The girls were still growing, thriving and adapting as kids do. They got glowing evaluations and met all the criteria expected of them. Academically they were right on track, yet we couldn't help but notice that there was something lacking. Highly creative by nature, that side of the children seemed to go dormant without the "head, heart and hands" Waldorf philosophy at Wellspring. There is a breath and depth of a child's experience at Wellspring that is so subtle, yet so powerful. It was truly missed by our whole family.
We balanced jobs, money, children and life. Even though we were having a "good" experience in the public school, in the back of our minds we were working towards a return. After three years of work and determination, this past September we were able to put our girls back in Wellspring, and start our older son in their preschool program. Our children are overjoyed and so are we. Every part of their personality is able to shine through during the school day. From morning sing to the stories and drawings that fill the Main Lesson, to making dolls in handwork, spoons in wood working and rehearsing for the all school musical, their learning is coming from a creative part of them. This is so authentic to childhood and makes the difference for our children and for us.
We will have five children enrolled as of September 2010. How will we manage? We will manage by making any necessary changes in our lives to accommodate being at Wellspring. We will manage because of the pledge system and the knowledge that Wellspring wants all committed families regardless of income. We will manage by working hard in the areas the school can use our skills the most. We will manage because of the sense of love and community that surrounds this school.
We will also manage because of those of you who continually support the school and it's efforts to provide a unique education and experience for these children. Wellspring is special. Wellspring is worth it!
Thank you from our family for your continued support.
Mark & Amy Rosalbo
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